6 Habits of Successful Women

Successful women know creating positive habits leads to happier and healthier lives. Whether it’s finding a hobby or sticking to an exercise routine, it’s important to invest in yourself and make time for what you love. While it’s tempting to spend hours upon hours consuming social media or binging on Netflix every day after work, it’s important to practice habits that support overall good health and mental wellness. If you’re looking to improve your well-being, consider incorporating one of these habits of successful women.

1. Practice Mindfulness

Life moves fast and in many cases, women are juggling multiple tasks at once. Whether it’s keeping track of deadlines at work or remembering to go grocery shopping or planning your best friend’s surprise 30th birthday party, our minds are often going a million miles per minute.

Slow down by incorporating more mindfulness into your daily routine. Make mindfulness a habit by becoming more aware of your actions, emotions, and environment. Start by finding a comfortable seat and sitting in stillness for 10 minutes each morning. Find your breath; and whenever you notice your mind beginning to wander, bring your focus back to your breath.

Researchers have also found that performing chores like washing dishes has been linked to improved well-being. In fact, a study of 51 college students found when they were washing dishes while practicing mindfulness, their nervousness decreased by 27%. The next time you wash dishes, fully immerse yourself into the activity. Feel the soap on your hands and the warm water, and be mindful of what you’re doing.

2. Read More Books

In a world where many of us are glued to our screens because of work and pleasure, it’s easy to forget to pick up a good book. But if you’re looking for stress relief, diving into a self-help book or fun novel can help you relax. In fact, a study by the University of Sussex found reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by 68%.

Make reading a habit by turning it into a bedtime ritual. Every night before you go to sleep, allow yourself 15 to 20 minutes to read, or make a goal of reading five pages before bed. Opening up a book before you head to bed will help you relax and signal your body it’s time to go to sleep.

3. Head to the Garden

Spending time in nature and getting dirty in your garden can do a lot of good for your body and mind. Not only are you protecting and nurturing the environment by planting flowers, fruits, and vegetables, but you are giving yourself time to focus on a creative activity.

There are many health benefits to gardening. It can sharpen your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost happiness. Since gardening is a physical activity, it also can tire you out, meaning you’ll be able to fall asleep faster in the evening when it is time for bed.

4. Express Gratitude

Recognizing everything you have to be grateful for in life has many positive benefits. Research shows expressing gratitude can reduce stress and even depression. When we think about what we appreciate most, it can trigger the part of our nervous system that calms us and help decrease cortisol levels.

Find a journal and dedicate it as your gratitude journal. Every morning when you wake up or every night when you go to bed, write the top five things you are grateful for that day. Even if it’s as simple as being thankful for your strong cup of coffee in the morning and listening to the birds chirping, these are little reminders that life is good.

5. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Wherever you are at in your journey, never compare yourself to other people. Comparing yourself can evoke feelings of sadness or jealousy, which take away from your happiness and personal joy.

The next time you notice yourself wishing you had someone else’s qualities, step back and reflect on who you are inside and out. Think about the qualities that make people love and care about you. This will prevent you from focusing on what others are doing and direct your attention back to yourself.

6. Practice Self-Care

Developing a self-care ritual is a habit every woman should follow. When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook our personal needs and making time for ourselves.

Every week, schedule an evening or a few hours during the weekend that you fully dedicate to self-care. This can be something as simple as reading your favorite book, taking a bubble path, getting a massage, or enjoying a manicure. By taking care of yourself, you’re renewing your energy so you can show up and be the best version of yourself in your relationships, at work, and in life.

Incorporating one or a few of these habits into your daily life can reduce stress, boost happiness, and create more peace in your life. Remember that it takes time to develop habits; but once you find one you can follow, the benefits will bring you joy and success.

What are some healthy habits you incorporate into your life on a daily basis? Tell us in the comments section below!

About me

Olivia is a public relations professional and writer living in Grand Rapids, MI. She is passionate about her community and supporting local. Most days you can find her hanging out in a local coffee shop, exploring farmers' markets, or sipping a craft beer on the weekends.